Support apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention is a support apparatus or side table that includes an insert portion retractably connected to a shelf portion. The insert portion being removably engaged with an object to provide support to the shelf portion for resting items thereon. The insert portion includes a retractable mechanism to facilitate nesting of the insert portion within the shelf portion. In operation, the insert portion is removably engaged with the object to facilitate resting of objects on or within the shelf portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is related to and claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/982,351 filed Oct. 24, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a support apparatus and, in particular, a support apparatus that engages an object for support. More specifically, the present invention relates to a new and unique support apparatus or side table which has an insert portion including a retractable mechanism to facilitate easy storage, transportation, and adjustability of the length of the insert portion.

In the prior art, various types of tables and supporting structures are very well known. For example, a typical table has three or four legs that emanate downwardly from a supporting table apparatus. The legs of the table rest on the floor of the room to provide the support apparatus in the desired location.

However, tables of the prior art suffer from the disadvantage that they must rest on the surface of a floor. If floor space is not available, it will be very difficult if not impossible to place the table in its desired location. A problematic environment is where no floor space is available near the bed and wall space cannot be damaged. One such environment is found in, for example, a college dorm room. There is a need for a shelf, table or support apparatus for the top bunk of the bed but there is no room on the floor for shelving or a side table and the neighboring wall is not available because modification of the walls is not permitted.

Also, shelving units are well-known structures to provide a support apparatus. Free-standing shelving suffers from the same disadvantages of tables in that free floor space is required for placement of the unit. Wall-mounted shelves are also available but they require wall space for installation of the shelves. Also, the shelves must be attached to a supporting wall thereby requiring some type of alteration to the wall, such as the drilling of holes and installation of mounting hardware. Therefore, known structures for providing a supporting apparatus require floor space or some type of alteration to a nearby supporting wall apparatus.

In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a table or support apparatus that can be located proximal to a bed without the need for nearby floor space. There is also a need for a table or shelving unit that does not require modification or damage to a nearby wall support for installation. There is a further need for a table or support apparatus that is easy to install and remove without damage to the surrounding environment. Also, there is a need for a table or support apparatus that has a low profile for easy storage and transportation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a solution to the problems associated with prior art support apparatus. As shown in the attached FIGS. 7-11, the present invention includes a new and novel support apparatus or side table that has an insert portion including a retractable mechanism which facilitates easy storage, transportation, and adjustability of the length of the insert portion.

The present invention is a support apparatus that includes an insert portion that is removably engaged with an object and a shelf portion for resting objects. The shelf portion may be integrally formed or attached to the insert portion. The support apparatus is designed with an overall dimension for supporting weight on the shelf portion. The support apparatus of the present invention reduces or eliminates the need for nearby floor space or wall support.

In a preferred embodiment, the support apparatus contains an insert portion having a retractable mechanism. The insert portion has a retractable mechanism that contains at least one, preferably two, members designed for extension and contraction within the shelf portion. The members, in one embodiment, are elongated tubes that slidably retract within elongated cylinders attached to a bottom surface of the shelf portion. In an alternative embodiment, the elongated tubes slidably retract within an interior of the shelf portion which may or may not include elongated cylinders. Furthermore, a handle is attached to the distal end of the two members to facilitate the extension and contraction of the two members within the shelf portion.

In operation, the insert portion is removably engaged within the object to facilitate resting of objects upon the shelf portion. For example, in one embodiment, the object is furniture, such as a bed. Note, the object may be something other than a bed and found in a different environment. The insert portion is removably engaged underneath a mattress of the bed or between any other combinations of a mattress, box spring and frame. When the insert portion is removably engaged underneath a mattress, the shelf portion is positioned proximal to the bed to allow a user a place for resting objects.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a support apparatus that can be located proximal to user without the need for nearby floor space.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a support apparatus that does not require modification or damage to a nearby wall support for installation.

In a further object of the present invention is the provision of a support apparatus that is easy to install and remove without damage to the surrounding environment.

An additional object of the present invention is the provision of a support apparatus which is a low profile for easy storage and transportation.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a support apparatus with an adjustable insert portion to accommodate various objects.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of prior art support apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a slightly reduced right elevational view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a slightly reduced left elevational view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a slightly reduced top view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a slightly reduced bottom view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a slightly reduced rear elevational view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top elevational view of the present invention including a retractable mechanism;

FIG. 8A is a bottom elevational view of the present invention of FIG. 7 with the retractable mechanism attached to the shelf portion;

FIG. 8B is a bottom elevational view of the present invention of FIG. 7 with the retractable mechanism within the shelf portion.

FIG. 9 is a left side perspective view of the present invention of FIG. 7 with retractable mechanism in a fully open position;

FIG. 10 is a left side perspective view of the present invention of FIG. 7 with retractable mechanism in a fully closed position;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the present invention of FIG. 7 with the insert portion engaged within a bed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention of FIGS. 7-11, a new and unique support apparatus 10A or side table is provided which has an insert portion 30A including a retractable mechanism 22 to facilitate easy storage, transportation, and adjustability of the length of the insert portion 30A.

By way of background, U.S. Design Pat. No. D550,981 is known in the prior art. Referring to FIGS. 1-6 of the prior art, the support apparatus 10 is shown in detail. The support apparatus 10 contains an insert portion 20 and a shelf portion 30 which defines a substantially planar structure. The support apparatus 10 is designed with an overall dimension for supporting weight on the shelf portion 30. The insert portion 20 is an elongated portion with a top outer surface for resting items. The insert portion 20 has a fixed length for engaging with a bed to facilitate resting of items on the shelf portion 30.

Referring to FIGS. 7-10, the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the support apparatus 10A has a shelf portion 30A retractably connected to an insert portion 20A with a retractable mechanism 22. The shelf portion 30A may be integrally formed with the insert portion 20A. The retractable mechanism 22 includes at least one, preferably two, members 22A, 22B designed for extension (FIG. 9) and contraction (FIG. 10) within or about the shelf portion 30A.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the members 22A, 22B, in one embodiment, are elongated tubes that slidably retract within elongated cylinders 24A, 24B attached to a bottom surface of the shelf portion 30A. In an alternative embodiment of FIG. 8B, the members 22A, 22B slidably retract within an interior of the shelf portion 30A which may or may not include elongated cylinders 24A, 24B positioned therein. Note, the elongated tubes 22A, 22B are of a diameter for suitable strength when placing or resting items on the top surface 30A of the shelf portion 30.

Also, the members 22A, 22B are capable of retraction within the shelf portion 30A without a substantial protrusion from the shelf portion 30A. To facilitate substantial retraction of the members 22A, 22B within the shelf portion 30A, the length and diameter of the cylinders 24A, 24B are configured to envelope a substantial portion of the members 22A, 22B within the cylinders 24A, 24B to reduce the overall profile of the support apparatus 10A.

It is also contemplated that the length of the members 22A, 22B and cylinders 24A, 24B is adjustable for accommodating objects of various shapes and sizes. It should be noted that the elongated members 22A, 22B and cylinders 24A, 24B are merely an example of a retractable mechanism 22 and that other types of retractable mechanisms may be used in place of the elongated members 22A, 22B and cylinders 24A, 24B.

The shelf portion 30A has a substantially planar top surface with a surface area, in one embodiment, similar to a bedside table or nightstand. An outer periphery of the top surface of the shelf portion 30A having a raised peripheral ridge 32 for preventing items from sliding or falling off the shelf portion 30A. In one embodiment, the shelf portion 30A has a raised peripheral ridge 32 emanating upwardly. Also, the shelf portion 30A may define areas within the top surface for holding or receiving items in a permanent or temporary position on the top surface of the shelf portion 30A.

Referring to FIG. 9, a handle 26 is attached to the distal end of the members 22A, 22B to facilitate the extension and contraction of the members 22A, 22B within the cylinders 24A, 24B or shelf portion 30A. When a user desires to place the insert portion 20A in a closed position, the user exerts downward pressure on the handle 26 which, in turn, moves the members within the shelf portion 30A (FIG. 10). If the user desires to place the insert portion 20A in an open position, the user exerts upward pressure on the handle 26 which, in turn, extends the members 22A, 22B outside of the shelf portion 30A (FIG. 9). It is contemplated that a means for facilitating the extension or retraction of the members 22A, 22B may be used other than the handle 26.

When in a closed position (FIG. 10) or open position (FIG. 9) or anywhere therebetween, the members 22A, 22B may be releasably secured within the shelf portion 30A or cylinders 24A, 24B to prevent movement thereof. In one embodiment, a button 27 is pressed to allow the slidable movement of the members 22A, 22B upward or downward. However, any means known in the art for releasably securing the members 22A, 22B within the cylinders 24A, 24B or shelf portion 30A may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the insert portion 20A is designed to reduce the overall weight and mass of the support apparatus 10A. By reducing the overall weight and mass of the support apparatus 10A, the costs for shipping from overseas manufacturing facilities are less. In addition, the compact size of the support apparatus 10A, when in a closed position (FIG. 10), reduces overall volume of the support apparatus 10A. This closed position allows for a reduction in shipping costs and also less consumption of limited space surrounding the object.

Referring to FIG. 11, the support apparatus 10A of the present invention of FIGS. 7-10 is shown. In FIG. 12, the insert portion 20A is extended into an open position suitable for engaging an object, such as a bed 50. Note, the length of insert portion 20A may be extended or contracted depending upon the object which is engaged. This adjustability of the insert portion 20A allows for support apparatus 10A to be configured for different objects. The object can be furniture, such as a bed, or any other object capable of supporting the insert portion 20A. Once extended into an open position, the insert portion 20A engages an object to support the weight of the items on the shelf portion 30A.

Once a user desires to store or transport the support apparatus 10A to another location, the user removes the insert portion 20A from the bed 50. The user provides downward pressure on the handle 26 so that it substantially retracts within the shelf portion 30A. In another embodiment, a user may have to disengage a locking mechanism (not shown) by pressing the button 27 before moving the handle 26 upward or downward. Once the insert portion 20A is in a closed position (FIG. 10), the user can move, transport, and store the support apparatus 10A more easily and at substantial cost savings. Also, due to the low profile of the support apparatus 10A, it is suitable for storing underneath a bed 50 or in other areas where space is limited.

A drawer 36 may be slidably connected to the shelf portion 30A. The drawer 36 may pull out to the sides or front of the shelf portion 30A to allow a user positioned on an object, such as a bed, easier access to the contents contained within the pull out drawer 36. In one embodiment, the drawer 36 pulls out to the side to allow a user sitting on a bed easier access to the contents therein.

If the support apparatus 10A is inserted within an object, a stabilizing portion 34 may depend from the shelf portion 30A for engagement with an object for additional support. For example, in FIG. 11 the stabilizing portion 34 is positioned between a mattress 52 and a frame 56. The stabilizing portion 34 may minimize movement, especially vibration, of the support apparatus 10A by resting upon the bed frame 56 when the insert portion 20A is inserted under a mattress 52 of a bed 50. It should be understood that the stabilizing portion 34 and pull out drawer 36 can be omitted, if desired.

The support apparatus 10A of the present invention can be made out of any material but is preferably made of wood or plastic. The insert portion 20A and shelf portion 30A should at least be made of a material capable of withstanding downward force applied to the shelf portion 30A. Various logos or other decorative indicia can be provided on any of the surfaces of the support apparatus 10A of the present invention. The size shown is just one example of the configuration of the support apparatus 10A. It could be larger or smaller or of a different configuration, such as of a round, square, rectangular, or oval shape, and still be within the scope of the present invention.

Items can be easily supported by the support apparatus 10A and in highly desirable location right next to an object to simulate a side table without using nearby floor space. The support apparatus 10A is ideal for relatively lightweight objects to be easily supported but can be configured to hold heavier objects. The support apparatus 10A may also be equipped with various accessories to enhance the enjoyment of the unit. For example, support areas, such as cup holders, may be defined within the support apparatus 10.

Typically, the items stored, rested, or attached to the support apparatus 10A may be clocks, radios, watches, phones, jewelry, food, books, papers, wallets, remote controls, computers, beverages, lighting apparatus, various electronic devices, and any personal items typically found proximal a bed or in a bedroom area. The items may be typical items stored on or inside a nightstand, bed tray, or bureau within a bedroom. Of course, the items may be found outside the bedroom area and this list in no way limits the types of items that can stored, rested, attached on or about the support apparatus 10A.

Alternatively, the insert portion 20 may be attached to an object using methods known in the art to hold the removable insert portion 20 in a fixed position.

In view of the foregoing, a new and improved support apparatus 10A is provided that enables a shelf portion 30A to be located proximal to an object without any floor space nearby or the mounting of shelves on a wall surface. The support apparatus 10A of the present invention may be easily installed and removed without any damage to the object. In addition, the insert portion 20A may contain a retractable mechanism 22 that reduces the overall weight to reduce shipping costs, to nest easily for compact storage, and to provide an adjustable length of the insert portion 20A.

It would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the illustrated embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. All such modifications and changes are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. 

1. A support apparatus, comprising: an insert portion for removable engagement with an object; a shelf portion retractably connected to the insert portion, the shelf portion configured for resting items thereon; and whereby the insert portion is removably engaged with the object to allow for resting of items on the shelf portion.
 2. The support apparatus of claim 1 wherein the insert portion includes a retractable mechanism.
 3. The support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the retractable mechanism has at has at least one member for extension and contraction within the shelf portion.
 4. The support apparatus of claim 3, wherein two members are for extension and contraction within the shelf portion.
 5. The support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the retractable mechanism has at least one member slidably retracting within an elongated cylinder attached to the shelf portion.
 6. The support apparatus of claim 5, wherein the elongated cylinder is attached to a bottom surface of the shelf portion.
 7. The support apparatus of claim 5, wherein the length of the cylinder is sufficient to retract a substantial portion of the member within the cylinder.
 8. The support apparatus of claim 2, wherein the retractable mechanism is releasably secured to prevent movement thereof.
 9. The support apparatus of claim 1, wherein the shelf portion has a stabilizing portion depending from the shelf portion to engage the object and to minimize overall movement or vibration of the support apparatus.
 10. A support apparatus, comprising: a shelf portion having a ridge positioned along the outer periphery to and upwardly facing to facilitate the resting of items thereon, the shelf portion having a stabilizing portion depending from the shelf portion to engage a bed; an insert portion retractably connected to the shelf portion, the insert portion removably engaged underneath a mattress of the bed; and whereby the insert portion is removably engaged underneath a mattress of a bed to support the items resting on the shelf. 